tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538 
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Jul 30, 2016 20:45:43 GMT
So, at the risk of echoing what basically everyone else has said, I will also say that it depends on how you scrap and that having both is not a bad thing. I just got my Cameo for Christmas and while I have not even begun to use it to it's fullest capacity, it is a joy and I  it! True, if your PC/laptop doesn't reside in your scrappy space, it is a little annoying having to set it all up (which is what I do). After that, it is all a pleasure. So many images to choose from (and you don't have to go out to buy them - ya just click & they show up!) and like others have said, even if you use it only once, they're cheaper than dies. And you can decide the size. Nice feature. I also have a Cuttlebug, which I still use. I probably emboss more than I use the dies, but I'm still glad I have it. I say get 'em both. |
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Post by LisaDV on Jul 30, 2016 22:05:28 GMT
I have a cameo and a big kick. I'd like to upgrade the big kick. I love both for different reasons. For my cameo, I like that I can get a larger pattern, can weld words (as grammadee was explaining), can print and cut, and can use digital images for print and cut to name the first things that come to mind. For my big kick, I like that I can emboss with folders and the quickness of use. |
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inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
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Post by inkedup on Jul 30, 2016 23:17:38 GMT
I have a Cameo and a rather large collection of dies. I have used the heck out of my Cameo lately because I've had a lot of bridal and baby showers in my circle. I find that, for larger jobs like banners and decor, the Cameo is my go-to. But, when I make cards or look for pieces for scrapbooking, I tend to use my trusty old dies more. It's partially habit, but also ease of use. I don't need to open my computer and cut anything. I just pick the die and run it through my Big Shot.
I haven't really purchased any dies since I bought my Cameo a couple of years ago, though.
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Post by lauralaforest on Jul 30, 2016 23:34:09 GMT
"I'm happy with what I have because I don't like having to deal with a computer for crafts, to me, computer is WORK!  If I had to pick only one, I'd go with dies, they last longer than electronic machines and if you have the cookie cutter type alphabets, just put your letters in the Big Shot (or whatever you have), cut them out, line them up on washi tape, put glue on them with fine line bottle and slap on card or page and done." Where do you find alphabet dies? |
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Post by Linda on Jul 31, 2016 0:22:11 GMT
I'm on the both side of the fence as well.
I have a QK hand tool and an Epic Six and quite a few dies - many bought on clearance or used. If I just need a couple of letters or shapes and I have the die for that shape - I reach for the QK first. It's quick and easy.
I also have a Cricut with SCAL software. I don't typically buy files for it (and the only cartridges I have came with it - I've honestly never used the cartridges). But if I need a one-off design - I can find an image and trace and cut it. I can cut pretty much any font I can find. And if I need multiple of the same design (for example for Christmas cards), it's SO much faster than cutting them all by hand or die cutting with the handtool.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,486
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 31, 2016 2:20:39 GMT
"I'm happy with what I have because I don't like having to deal with a computer for crafts, to me, computer is WORK! If I had to pick only one, I'd go with dies, they last longer than electronic machines and if you have the cookie cutter type alphabets, just put your letters in the Big Shot (or whatever you have), cut them out, line them up on washi tape, put glue on them with fine line bottle and slap on card or page and done." Where do you find alphabet dies? Alpha dies can be found at most online sites now. SSS, MFT, Scrapbook dot com, and I think I saw them at Jo-Anns dot com and even Amazon has them. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 31, 2016 5:26:58 GMT
"I'm happy with what I have because I don't like having to deal with a computer for crafts, to me, computer is WORK! If I had to pick only one, I'd go with dies, they last longer than electronic machines and if you have the cookie cutter type alphabets, just put your letters in the Big Shot (or whatever you have), cut them out, line them up on washi tape, put glue on them with fine line bottle and slap on card or page and done." Where do you find alphabet dies? ebay is a great source for the old QK alphabets. I've picked up more than I care to admit, most for about $20. Search the sold listings to see what the alphas are selling for and don't be afraid to wait for another listing to come along. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 31, 2016 5:29:32 GMT
I did just see, however, that the bluetooth won't work until the Silhouette Studio 4 software is released. I love my physical dies and enjoy using them. (Even tho I own electronic machines, too) I pre-ordered the Cameo 3, but have changed my mind. I'm trying to cancel it, but it may be too late. I just saw the info on the Bluetooth not working until SS4 plus I'm nervous about receiving a machine that no one can test the Bluetooth on. I have the Cameo 2 , which I'd need to sell - what a hassle that will be - so I think I'll just stick to the Cameo 2 for now. Don't panic too much--I think the update is available this coming week or next week. Silhouette America has a pretty good track record with CS, and of course, so does Amazon. Obviously Bluetooth has been tested with the software, but there are probably some kinks to fix yet. I know one blogger has the Cameo 3 and has tested some of the new software. |
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 31, 2016 19:34:36 GMT
Love my Cameo and use it on almost every page. Besides being able to cut out alphas, titles, shapes, etc (in any size you want) you can use it for journaling.
I never got into dies really. I have a QK hand tool and about 15 fonts and a few shapes. But, I never use them now that I have my Cameo.
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Post by anniefb on Jul 31, 2016 21:16:58 GMT
Another reason to try out the Cameo - just made my first sketch background yesterday. Now I'm hooked! So many functions  |
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Post by scrapperal on Jul 31, 2016 22:10:21 GMT
As others have said, there is a place for both electronic and manual die cutters. If you're cutting multiples of an item or just need an image once, are comfortable with a computer, and don't mind using a computer, then by all means go for an electronic cutter.
For me, I started with a manual die cutter and prefer it. I feel like I have too many options with an electronic die cutter and that inhibits my creativity.
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Post by 950nancy on Jul 31, 2016 22:47:25 GMT
As others have said, there is a place for both electronic and manual die cutters. If you're cutting multiples of an item or just need an image once, are comfortable with a computer, and don't mind using a computer, then by all means go for an electronic cutter. For me, I started with a manual die cutter and prefer it. I feel like I have too many options with an electronic die cutter and that inhibits my creativity. I have done 180 pages this year so far. My dies would all be in round three by now. There are some nights I just sit down with my computer and page kits and pick from my stash of 2,700 shapes. I have them all categorized so they aren't too hard to find. I just find something so satisfying in working with the computer part, but I know that isn't everyone's kind of fun. |
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Post by jemmls4 on Aug 1, 2016 1:01:39 GMT
Love my silhouette. One of the best things I have ever bought. I use it all the time. I have actually been trying not to buy too much so I can get the new one that comes out end of summer. It has a couple of new features that I think will like. And my old one is in excellent condition so I should be able to sell it.
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Post by scrapperal on Aug 1, 2016 2:01:14 GMT
If you're cutting multiples of an item or just need an image once, are comfortable with a computer, and don't mind using a computer, then by all means go for an electronic cutter. I should have clarified here, that if you're cutting multiples (like for a class) or just need an image once (just today, I bought a die that I think I will just use once), then I think an electronic cutter would be more useful than an manual die cutter. Save |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Aug 1, 2016 3:58:11 GMT
"I'm happy with what I have because I don't like having to deal with a computer for crafts, to me, computer is WORK! If I had to pick only one, I'd go with dies, they last longer than electronic machines and if you have the cookie cutter type alphabets, just put your letters in the Big Shot (or whatever you have), cut them out, line them up on washi tape, put glue on them with fine line bottle and slap on card or page and done."Where do you find alphabet dies? This is an awesome tip! Thanks for sharing it. I never would have thought to use washi to line up the lettering for spacing before putting the glue on the back. I bet that would work for sticker letters too, line them up into the word you want to make on an empty sticker backing, slap a piece of washi across the top to pick up the whole word and transfer it to your project like transfer tape. Genius!  To tell the truth, I've found more alphabets at scrappy rummage sales or online (bought one from someone here on FSOT) than I've seen in stores recently. And because they're usually gently used, the prices can't be beat either. |
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Post by sbartist on Aug 1, 2016 5:59:38 GMT
but then the investment per die is quite a bit more and limited to the die. While this is true, you have to think outside the box on dies and what else they can be used for. Sometimes I may need something really tiny cut out for paper piecing, and if I can find the shape I need on a die, I will use it.
Showing this card as an example - the noses are from a die. The nose on the Wookie - is a piece of candy from a die, his face/feet are clouds, as well as what is behind the cloud (I would have to look to see what I used). The light sabers are part of a pirate ship mast. Yoda's ears are leaves. Princess Leia's poufy hair is part of a hibiscus die. There are bits and pieces from several dies to make these characters - more like punch art.
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nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,187
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Post by nicolep on Aug 1, 2016 14:35:23 GMT
I am so sorry I haven't replied yet. This weekend brought a few unexpected things and I wasn't able to get here. Having said that though, you guys are seriously AWESOME! I just read though every.single.post and I appreciate each of you taking the time to help me decide! So, this is my situation after reading each of your replies and advice: - I already have a Big Kick and have always loved it. I have dies and embossing folders but haven't bought any new dies for a LONG time. (only because I took a 5 year scrap break)
- I am badly itching for new dies! (I had $200 worth in my SSS cart this weekend when I started thinking about the Cameo 3)
- I also have the original Cricut and still use it. I made tent cards, banners and partial invitations for our son's 1st birthday in March but really wanted to make larger cuts.
- As far as having to use a laptop/PC with the Cameo that is not an issue for me. My laptop is always in my scrap space on a table as well as my Cricut (which is where the Cameo would go). I also love technology and I'm pretty smart when it comes to figuring it all out and I enjoy it so that doesn't worry me.
- I am also not a crop-goer so that isn't an issue at all.
I think I'm also thinking of how expensive the Cricut cartridges can be (although there seems to be a sale on them somewhere at any given time) and factoring in the size restriction of the original Cricut I think I would LOVE the freedom of the 12" format.
I can absolutely see myself using the Cameo for my layouts, cards as well as birthday parties and even some home decor.
So, having said all of this can you guys tell me how much cut files are? I know there are a lot of free ones out there (seems like every cool blog post, IG post etc that I like have used a Silhouette cut file!) but if I were to pay how much am I looking at?
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nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,187
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Post by nicolep on Aug 1, 2016 14:51:15 GMT
Btw sbartist...very creative use for the dies! |
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Aug 1, 2016 15:51:33 GMT
I am relatively new to the Cameo, so I'm not sure if a cut file is the same as an image (I don't think so, but if that's the case, then I'm of no help because I know nothing about cut files). Now, images seem to go from $1-$3, with the latter being for fonts. There's a free one offered every day. What I try to do is browse around periodically and add them to my wishlist. Then, when they go on sale (I've gotten them for as much as 50% off), I don't have to frantically browse around, I just dump what's on my wishlist into my shopping cart. Agreed - sbartist, that Star Wars die cut/paper piecing is amazing!! |
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nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,187
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Post by nicolep on Aug 1, 2016 15:54:49 GMT
I am not sure what the proper name is either lol but I just mean an image or design or whatever they're called lol!
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Post by cmpeter on Aug 1, 2016 16:05:54 GMT
If you buy cut shapes from the Silhoutte site they are about $1 each. But they have a number of subscription options that bring the price down. The basic brings the price down to .40 and the diamond down to .12 per file.
You can go to the silhouttedesignstore.com to check out the options.
You can also download the software and start collecting files before you have the machine.
Silhoutte also has a number of sales each year that discount the prices if you don't want a subscription. 40-50% off generally during their sales.
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Post by anniefb on Aug 1, 2016 18:39:14 GMT
nicolep when I bought my Cameo (on Amazon) I also got a card for a month's subscription to Silhouette Design Store - I think that or some kind of credit is usual. I managed to pick up about 50 files with that because I got it at the time that all designs were 50% off. If you get the designer edition of the Studio software you can also easily use SVG files - so I look out for those as well - both freebies and sites like SVG cuts or Miss Kate Cuttables when there's a sale on. Some of the kit companies or online stores also have free downloads - Paper Issues and Hip Kit just to name a couple. The designs come as .png files which you can trace and cut.
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 1, 2016 19:37:39 GMT
My subscription is for $16 each month (have to do for a full year). With that I get $150 in product. Most shapes are $0.99, and some are even half that. That is the cheapest way to get all of the shapes. After a year, most people do less or you can buy gift cards and get them that way too.
I would suggest not buying the fonts at Silhouette. You can get thousands of free fonts at DaFont or 1,001 fonts (or a plethora of other sites). Just make sure to find a reputable site. Here is the BEST part about the fonts and Silhouette. You can download Wordmarkit.com. This is amazing. You can type in your title or a word from your title and Wordmarkit will show you EXACTLY what your title will look like cut out using each and every font on your computer. It will show you maybe fifty or so at a time. It saves so much time trying to pick out the right title. Some free fonts also have fonts that are filled with Dingbats so a Harry Potter font with Dingbats also gives you 30+ shapes for characters out of Harry Potter. Those are no longer sold in the Silhouette store. Now they are free.
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Post by anniefb on Aug 1, 2016 20:33:44 GMT
Here is the BEST part about the fonts and Silhouette. You can download Wordmarkit.com. This is amazing. You can type in your title or a word from your title and Wordmarkit will show you EXACTLY what your title will look like cut out using each and every font on your computer. It will show you maybe fifty or so at a time. It saves so much time trying to pick out the right title. Thanks so much for sharing this 950nancy! Never heard of this before and can't wait to try it out. |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 1, 2016 20:47:53 GMT
Here is the BEST part about the fonts and Silhouette. You can download Wordmarkit.com. This is amazing. You can type in your title or a word from your title and Wordmarkit will show you EXACTLY what your title will look like cut out using each and every font on your computer. It will show you maybe fifty or so at a time. It saves so much time trying to pick out the right title. Thanks so much for sharing this 950nancy ! Never heard of this before and can't wait to try it out. You will hear angels sing. Guaranteed! |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 1, 2016 20:48:46 GMT
but then the investment per die is quite a bit more and limited to the die. While this is true, you have to think outside the box on dies and what else they can be used for. Sometimes I may need something really tiny cut out for paper piecing, and if I can find the shape I need on a die, I will use it.
Showing this card as an example - the noses are from a die. The nose on the Wookie - is a piece of candy from a die, his face/feet are clouds, as well as what is behind the cloud (I would have to look to see what I used). The light sabers are part of a pirate ship mast. Yoda's ears are leaves. Princess Leia's poufy hair is part of a hibiscus die. There are bits and pieces from several dies to make these characters - more like punch art.
This is too cute. I am creative, but more of a rushed creative person! |
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Post by ladytrisha on Aug 2, 2016 19:52:12 GMT
The thing I love about the silhouette (and before that the cricut) is that I can make something the exact size I need or want.
The cost of dies can easily out pace a silhouette in no time. I've got over 30,000 designs in my computer - I can mix and match them, I can adjust sizes of everything on a page - and most of them were free or no more than 99cents!
Funny enough I got the cricut because I got tired of buying Quickutz dies - it paid for itself in no time. We recently went into a scrapbook store and I was pricing the dies ... there was a cute coffee cup by Tim Holtz. Well, I have a bunch of similar svg files and those were free. Win! LOL
I have a scraproom where the silhouette is on the desk all the time - I just connect my laptop to it, so its not an inconvenience.
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Post by natlhol on Aug 3, 2016 3:12:53 GMT
I had a Cricut and then my husband surprised me with a Cameo years ago. I also have a Cuttlebug. I don't use the Cricut anymore because I found it too difficult to cut something in the size I needed.
The Cameo I love, and the Cuttlebug has it's place, especially for embossing.
One of the things I love about the Cameo is that I use it to plan my LOs. I make a box to represent my photo (or boxes for photos) and place it on the 12x12 canvas. Then I can size my title or other elements all based on the placement of my photos. This is especially great for a title with several different font types. Once I figured out to do this, it saved a ton of time recutting something that I didn't size correctly the first time. When I'm finished, I delete the boxes representing the photos. To cut, I simply place elements together that will be cut from the same paper on one mat and then run it through the Silhouette.
The other thing I love about planning my LOs in the Silhouette software is that I do it while watching TV when I don't really feel like scrapping or it's not a good time for me to be away from the family (but I can be on the laptop.) I can plan several LOs in one sitting and then do one big cutting the next time I'm in my scrap room.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Aug 3, 2016 21:28:30 GMT
In my group we all got a Cricut, then an expression. I've had and loved my Expression for years. I have over 200 cartridges and it gets used a lot. By both me, my dd and for both 4-H and recently even me for work. Most of my scrapbooking friends got rid of their expression and got a Cameo a couple of years ago. I knew for me I didn't want to be attached to a computer. I know I would drift to 2P's or other websites. So A cameo has never been an option for me. I have gotten away from scrapbooking periodically due to time constraints and I'm making more cards. I have gotten into embossing folders and dies. I love them. Especially the stitched dies and the dies that match my stamps. I use both my expression and my big shot about the same amount. But I still even use my basic shape punches more then most people If I were to get another electronic cutter it would be the cut n scan since it would cut stamped images. |
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Post by AngieandSnoopy on Aug 4, 2016 5:06:25 GMT
"I'm happy with what I have because I don't like having to deal with a computer for crafts, to me, computer is WORK! If I had to pick only one, I'd go with dies, they last longer than electronic machines and if you have the cookie cutter type alphabets, just put your letters in the Big Shot (or whatever you have), cut them out, line them up on washi tape, put glue on them with fine line bottle and slap on card or page and done." Where do you find alphabet dies? I thought that answer was familiar until I realized you didn't have the quotes from me on right! If you are asking about cookie cutter type alphabet dies, that is a QuicKutz name for alphabet sets where each letter is individual and where the shapes were NOT on the square or rectangle but on a shaped die. Now MANY of the new dies, shapes and alphabets are "cookie cutter". A prime example is Tim Holtz AlphaNumeric alphabet sets, both the 1 inch tall and the 3/4 inch tall. I have both and love them. They have multiples of each letter and also numbers and symbols. Just remember to KEEP them in a zippered clear bag ON a magnetic sheet (vent cover) to make sure you don't lose them. They have multiples so that you can cut a phrase in cardstock and use the negative and say for instance "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and make one pass even though you have 2 "A's", "P's", "H's" and "Y's" in the phrase. I use them that way but ALSO and especially cutting the letters. Momenta has at least two alphabet like that, I really want to get the handwritten one but need to get it at Hobby Lobby with a percent off coupon because I want two sets. I think But if you are just talking about alphabet sets, almost all the die companies have several, some with all the alphabet on one die or some with each letter a separate die. Even though it is a pain to make SURE I don't lose the tiny dies, I do like that so many are the cookie cutter type now. I just keep them in a slider zipper freezer bag on a vent cover magnet sheet. Freezer bags are tougher than regular which is why I go for them. I ALSO have a handle magnet from the hardware store and a magnet that screws into a broom handle, also from the hardware store that I use to find pins and DIES in my carpet or floor. Sometimes I can NOT see them but the magnet gets them! |
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it! True, if your PC/laptop doesn't reside in your scrappy space, it is a little annoying having to set it all up (which is what I do). After that, it is all a pleasure. So many images to choose from (and you don't have to go out to buy them - ya just click & they show up!) and like others have said, even if you use it only once, they're cheaper than dies. And you can decide the size. Nice feature.
If I had to pick only one, I'd go with dies, they last longer than electronic machines and if you have the cookie cutter type alphabets, just put your letters in the Big Shot (or whatever you have), cut them out, line them up on washi tape, put glue on them with fine line bottle and slap on card or page and done."
